NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — A car explosion jolted the heart of India’s national capital Monday evening near the historic Red Fort, leaving at least 13 people dead and dozens injured. The blast erupted at about 6:52 p.m. local time near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on Subhash Marg when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light. According to the city’s top police official, Satish Golcha, the explosion originated in that vehicle and damaged nearby cars and auto-rickshaws.

Witnesses described a sudden, massive explosion that shattered windows and sent shockwaves through the congested Old Delhi area. Emergency teams rushed to the site. Seven fire tenders were deployed, and three to four vehicles caught fire in the aftermath. The injured were taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP) for treatment; eight were killed on arrival.

The capital has been placed on high alert. Security has been tightened at high-footfall zones, including metro stations and bus stops. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that multiple investigation teams, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the National Security Guard (NSG), and forensic experts, have been deployed. CCTV footage around the area is being reviewed. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation and remains in touch with the Home Ministry, according to official sources.

This is the first major blast in New Delhi since the 2011 terror attack outside the Delhi High Court that killed 15 and injured more than 75. Previously, most attacks in the national capital region had occurred in Jammu & Kashmir or on the border areas. This explosion near the Red Fort — a national monument and tourist landmark — sends a stark message.

Officials have not yet confirmed whether the blast was caused by a terrorist act, a bomb, or an accidental explosion. All possibilities remain under investigation. Earlier on the same day, authorities in neighbouring Haryana and J&K arrested a doctor in Faridabad and recovered approximately 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate along with arms and timers. Investigators are examining any possible link to Monday evening’s blast.

The explosion highlights a grave security challenge for India’s capital. The nation will expect its government and law-enforcement agencies to step up vigilance even further.